By Crusader Staff
Tracey A. Alston, a nationally respected marketing and public relations strategist whose work bridged corporate, civic, faith and health communities for more than three decades, died February 25, 2026. She was 64. Remembering Tracey Alston, her legacy continues to inspire many.
A public viewing was scheduled Friday, March 13, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Gatling’s Chapel, 10133 South Halsted Street in Chicago.
Funeral services are scheduled Saturday, March 14, at the House of Hope, 752 East 114th Street in Chicago. The pre-pass will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the wake at 9:30 a.m. and the service at 10:30 a.m.
Known for her ability to connect institutions with underserved communities, Alston built a career that combined communications strategy with advocacy and service, particularly around health equity and education.
Born December 4, 1961, in Gary, Indiana, Alston grew up in a city long known for producing leaders in business, entertainment and public life. Her early experiences helped shape her commitment to community development and opportunity.
She graduated from Indiana State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education before later pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College Chicago. The combination of education and media training would define much of her professional work, allowing her to blend storytelling with public engagement.
Alston’s entrepreneurial drive emerged early. In 1986, at just 25 years old, she made national headlines when she became co-owner of WBEE Jazz Radio 1570 AM in Harvey, Illinois. At the time, she was recognized as the youngest female radio station owner in the United States.
The milestone marked the beginning of a career dedicated to amplifying community voices and shaping public conversations.
In 1994, Alston founded Danielle Ashley Advertising and Communications, a marketing and public affairs firm named in honor of her daughters. Through the agency, she worked on political, civic and corporate initiatives that focused on community outreach and public engagement.
One of the firm’s earliest political efforts included the inaugural campaign of the late John H. Stroger Jr. for Cook County Board President, the historic campaign that resulted in Stroger becoming the first African American elected to lead the Cook County Board.
Over the years, Alston’s firm partnered with a wide range of corporations and institutions, including Walgreens, ComEd, the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the United States Census Bureau, the Illinois Lottery, L’Oréal, SoftSheen-Carson, Gilead Sciences, Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb.
Her work focused on connecting institutions with communities through communications campaigns, health initiatives and public education programs.
Beyond marketing and communications, Alston also launched several initiatives that reflected her broader commitment to education and health equity.
In 2006, she founded The Educational Network, an initiative dedicated to celebrating Black history while encouraging students to pursue higher education. One of the organization’s signature projects was the Black History HBCU Calendar, an annual publication highlighting historically Black colleges and universities alongside historical figures and contemporary leaders.
The calendar served as both an educational resource and cultural guide for families and classrooms while also promoting awareness of historically Black institutions. A portion of proceeds supported the featured universities.
Alston also founded the First Ladies Health Initiative, a program designed to connect faith communities with healthcare resources and preventive education. Through partnerships with churches and community organizations, the initiative mobilized pastors’ wives and faith leaders to host community health screenings and provide information about preventive care.
Over more than two decades, the initiative organized hundreds of community events and facilitated more than 600,000 health screenings, according to program organizers. The effort sought to address disparities in healthcare access while promoting wellness education in underserved communities.
Her work in both communications and community health earned recognition from government officials and civic organizations across the country, including proclamations and honors from mayors, members of Congress and community institutions.
Despite her professional accomplishments, those who knew Alston often spoke of her strong commitment to faith, family and community service.
She was a longtime member of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, where she served as an usher and was active in the church’s media ministry.
Alston was also a member of several civic and service organizations, including Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where she served for nearly 17 years in various leadership roles, including president of the South Suburban Chicago Chapter and a position on the organization’s national board.
She was also affiliated with The Links, Incorporated and Chicago Carats and served on several corporate and nonprofit boards.
Family members described her as deeply devoted to her husband, children and grandson.
She and her husband, Marcus Alston, shared 38 years of marriage after meeting in their early twenties. Together they built a family centered on faith, education and service.
She is survived by her husband, Marcus Alston; three daughters, Marquise (Brian) Alston-Allison, Taylor (Aaron) Alston-Cleveland and Morgan Alston; and her grandson, Reignn.
A celebration of life is also being planned in Los Angeles, where Alston maintained strong personal and professional connections.